Dubai drivers should expect more paid parking as city grows, says Parkin

As Dubai continues to grow, the number of paid parking spaces is expected to expand further, according to Parkin, the operator responsible for 268,300 paid parking spaces across the city. Operator Mohamed Al Ali stated that regulated parking is essential infrastructure for a rapidly expanding city. "We can see continued urban expansion, changing mobility patterns, and the growing expectations for smarter and more seamless services," he said.

Parkin's CEO believes that without paid parking, people would abuse the system, pointing to uncontrolled zones where cars are left long term and vendors operate out of pickup trucks.

Khattab Abu Qaoud, Parkin's CFO, explained that the difference between controlled and uncontrolled zones is stark, noting that regulated areas develop better overall. Parkin's dynamic pricing model saw profits rise in the second quarter, with total revenue increasing by 14% to Dh364.1 million, despite the Iran war affecting usage.

Enforcement revenue, from fines paid, grew by 11% to Dh107.5 million, accounting for nearly 30% of total revenue. The company aims to encourage app usage for convenience and auto-renewal features, rather than relying on text messages for payment.

Looking ahead, Parkin plans to add 9,900 more parking spaces this year, surpassing its initial target of 7,500. The company also intends to increase street cameras to 5,000, further automating parking and plans to expand into other emirates and countries in the region.